bushfire brain

The inability to think clearly and make decisions has been called bushfire brain when it arises from the overwhelming devastation and loss caused by bushfire. In such circumstances people find it impossible to make simple choices because they are living in a fog of uncertainty and grief. It is a state of deteriorating mental health which can have long-term consequences.  They really should not be making decisions at all, even if it is a very simple one like choosing the colour of their replacement car, but unfortunately the decisions pile up and have to be dealt with.